09/02/2025
Brenda Parham
Mother Brenda Parham, affectionately called Queen B—where "B" stands for Bold, Beautiful, and Blessed—was born on May 9, 1946, in the charming town of Manning, Arkansas. As the fifth of eleven delightful siblings born to Ollie Lester Hughes and Amber Dailey Hughes, she had a special bond with her brothers and sisters: Mary Sue, Ollie "Peter," Billie Jean, Betty Carol, Will, Henry, Jack, James, Malinda, and Oleida.
From an early age, Brenda chose to embrace her faith at Harmony Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas. Her devotion led her to White Springs AME in Bearden, Arkansas, where she worshipped joyfully with her husband. After moving to Detroit, Michigan, Brenda found her spiritual home at the St. Angela Temple of Love Ministries. There, she thrived as an active member, contributing her time to the Missionary Board, Pastor's Aid, and Choir until she returned to Arkansas with James. In her later years, she became a cherished member of Second Baptist Church, assuming the beloved role of Mother Parham within the Mothers' Ministry and continued to inspire those around her with her warmth and wisdom.
After graduating from Sparkman Training School in 1964, Brenda Joyce embarked on a new chapter of her life. At the tender age of 18, she joyfully married her high school sweetheart, James Revenice Parham. Together, they built a life in Detroit, Michigan, and were blessed with three daughters: Sandra, Alice, and Theresa. Brenda's role as a mother was central to her life, and she instilled strong values of faith and respect for the Lord in her daughters, shaping them into the women they are today.
With a heart overflowing with love, Brenda passionately embraced cooking, cleaning, and nurturing her family, always putting their needs first. Her dedication created a warm and loving home that continues to inspire. She will always be remembered as a woman of faith, a selfless and devoted wife and mother who greeted everyone with a smile and was famous for her delicious banana pudding.
Brenda possessed a quiet strength and unwavering faith that God would provide for her. Her character and temperament shone through from the onset of her illness until her passing into heaven. Although she had every right to express anger or despair, she chose to love her family every moment she was given until God called her home. Her legacy is one filled with love, warmth, and an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire everyone around her.
On Monday, August 25, 2025, the Lord called His angel from labor to reward. At 79 years old, Mother Brenda was fortunate to witness three generations before she entered eternal rest, surrounded by her family. Our love and memories of her will last forever.
Queen Brenda is joyfully reunited with her husband, James Parham; her parents, Lester and Amber Hughes; and her siblings, Mary Griffin, Ollie Hughes, and Will Hughes. Her spirit will undoubtedly continue to uplift us all!
She is lovingly remembered by her beloved daughters: Sandra (Carl) Blade of Little Rock, AR; Alice (Stephen) Bender of Alexander, AR; Theresa (Kenneth) Austin of Colorado Springs, CO; and Rita (William) George of Moreno Valley, CA. Their bond keeps her spirit alive!
The Queen's remarkable legacy shines brightly through her wonderful grandchildren: Latoya Lee, Ebony Bender, Stephen (Ebony) Bender, Yvette (Jerrell) Walker, Ashley Cypret, Antonio (Catherine) Austin, Antwon (Ashley) Austin, Amber Blade, Candice Blade, LeKisha Jones, Kanisha Blade, Myra George, and Nigel George. Additionally, she joyfully welcomed 21 great-grandchildren, enriching her family with love and warmth. What a beautiful testament to her enduring spirit!
Brenda will be fondly remembered by her siblings: Billie Wesley and Betty Wilson, both of Milwaukee, WI; Henry Hughes of Atlanta, GA; Jack Hughes of Malvern, AR; James Hughes and Malinda (Robert) Harrison, both of Little Rock, AR; and Oleida Ingram of North Little Rock, AR. She is also survived by her sister-in-love, Ernestine Parham-Bowman of Detroit, MI, along with a host of nieces, nephews, close relatives, and friends.
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